BULLDOGS HOLD OFF SHARKS 68-67

By Charlotte Oh

In one of the closest games of the 2025 ISA/IIAAG boys high school basketball league, the Okkodo Bulldogs narrowly secured a victory over the Sanchez Sharks Tuesday night. Although leading by over 20 points in the third quarter, the Bulldogs won by a mere point, 68-67. 

Okkodo’s shooters were on fire from the start with Ethan Solidum and Koah Bombon each hitting threes to kick off the game for the Bulldogs. Working together on offense and defense, the Bulldogs led 15-12 by the end of the first quarter. 

Down by only three points to begin the second quarter, Sanchez’s Atni Kasuta drained a three to tie the game at 15-15. Kasuta was the lead scorer of the night, ending with 29 points for the Sharks. 

With both teams hitting clean shots, the game was tied once again at 20-20. However, the Bulldogs quickly seized control, going on an 11-0 run to pull away from the Sharks and finishing the first half 36-22.

From then on, it seemed as though the Bulldogs would continue the game with an easy victory ahead. Besides their sharp shooters from the three-point line, senior Jude Lopez was scoring baskets and grabbing rebounds in the paint. Lopez was the high scorer for the Bulldogs, finishing with 18 points. 

SECOND HALF ACTION

Overall working better as a team, the Bulldogs led by 21 points, 51-30. “One thing is probably just trying to hype each other up and all that, just trying to talk to each other and tell each other to work,” shared Lopez.

However, the Sharks didn’t back down, as they slowly started to creep up on the Bulldogs in the second half. Seeming to gain energy and teamwork, the Sharks started to pass the ball more and find openings for layups. Kyle George intercepted the Bulldog’s inbounds twice in a row to score two easy buckets. Following that, Kasuta found another layup, bringing the Sharks down by only 3 points, 63-60. 

With the crowd shouting on their feet and both teams fighting for the ball, the gym became a stadium filled with energy. Bombon swished yet another crucial three, contributing a total 14 points for the Bulldogs. However, a turnover allowed Sanchez to score again, now down by only 2 points with one minute left. 

Lopez stayed calm throughout the game, despite the immense pressure. “The whole game just try to keep poised, be composed. Not gonna lie, it was a bit nerve wracking, but I had enough experience to keep control and be composed”

The game came down to the free throw line, with the Sharks being given an opportunity to score four points. The crowd on the edge of their seats and the players’ nerves building up, the Sharks were only able to convert one free throw, leaving them down by one point. Less than a second left, Kasuta attempted to throw the ball at the basket which bounced off the rim, ending the exhilarating game with a huge Bulldog win, 68-67.  

“Today’s game, even though we lost that 25-point lead, overall we were still able to keep it together, keep it composed, and able to win the game,” shared Lopez. “Good day, good win.”

Okkodo wins its third straight game to move to 5-2, while Sanchez falls to 5-3, suffering their third straight loss after a 5-0 start.

The Bulldogs will meet the Southern Dolphins Friday while the Sharks will fight the St. Paul Warriors next Tuesday. 

OTHER TUESDAY SCORES

GW 78, Guam High 42

JFK 90, Southern 55

Notre Dame 66, Harvest 44

FD 135, CTECH 37